We have dealt with hundreds of complaints about audible intruder, smoke and fire alarms over the past few years.
Whilst the main aim of an audible alarm is to protect property and its occupiers from intruders, theft and damage, a continually misfiring alarm can cause unnecesary disturbance to neighbours and may even amount to a statutory noise nuisance.
If we determine the alarm to be causing a statutory noise nuisance we may have to:
- serve a noise abatement notice on the occupier of the property
- obtain a warrant to enter the property and disconnect the alarm to stop the nuisance
- recover our costs - which may be substantial, on average £300 - from the owner of the property.
To avoid this action you should:
- arrange for the alarm to be properly maintained and serviced
- appoint two keyholders for the property, preferably people who live within hearing distance of the alarm or who can attend within 20 minutes
- if keyholders do not live close by, tell the neighbours how to contact them
- give details to us about keyholders and how they can be contacted (using the form below), and tell them of any changes
- make sure that keyholders know when you will be away and that they tell you when they will be away too
If your complaint is urgent
If you have an urgent complaint about an audible alarm please call us on 01223 457890 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am and 4.30pm on Friday.
Alternatively you can contact our out of hours noise service, between 7pm and 7am every night and between 9am and 5pm at weekends and Bank Holidays, on 01223 457457.
Use this form to let us know who your keyholders are
Data will only be used if we receive complaints about your alarm. All our data is kept safe and secure.
Please note * marks required information.